Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Dual-Task Training on Gait and Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Kartikeya Vahal (PT); Anurag Yadav; Aditi Singh; Kapil Kumar Garg (PT)

doi:10.62127/aijmr.2026.v04i03.1320

Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Dual-Task Training on Gait and Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Author(s)	Dr. Kartikeya Vahal (PT), Mr. Anurag Yadav, Prof. Dr. Aditi Singh, Dr. Kapil Kumar Garg (PT)
Country	India
Abstract	Virtual reality-based dual-task training demonstrates moderate benefits for gait and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease, with consistent improvements in dual-task gait speed (increases of 0.1-0.3 m/s) and executive function (e.g., Trail Making Test Part B completion time reduced by 15 seconds, p<0.05; Stroop interference score improved by 8%, p<0.05). Balance also enhances, as evidenced by Berg Balance Scale gains of 3.2 points (p<0.01) and Timed Up and Go test reductions of 1.5-3 seconds (p<0.05). These effects are particularly pronounced in mild to moderate disease stages (Hoehn and Yahr 1-3), with feasibility confirmed by high adherence and no serious adverse events across immersive and non-immersive VR platforms. Parkinson’s disease affects over 10 million people worldwide, impairing gait through bradykinesia and rigidity while compromising cognitive domains like attention due to dopaminergic deficits, leading to heightened fall risk and reduced quality of life. Conventional rehabilitation often overlooks the dual-task deficits that exacerbate freezing of gait and executive dysfunction in daily activities, creating a need for integrated interventions like VR, which simulates real-world demands. This review synthesizes evidence showing VR dual-task training outperforms single-task approaches in enhancing motor-cognitive integration, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate (Cohen's d=0.2-0.8), though benefits are less evident in isolated memory domains. Secondary gains include reduced freezing episodes in patients with gait freezing and improved quality of life scores (e.g., PDQ-39 total score improvements, p<0.05). Clinically, VR training is feasible for home or clinic use, promoting engagement via gamified elements, but gaps persist in long-term retention and standardized protocols. Future research should prioritize larger randomized trials to establish optimal dosing and address cybersickness risks, informing guidelines for personalized PD rehabilitation.
Keywords	virtual, reality, dual, task, training, parkinson, disease, gait
Discipline	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 4, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-05-17
DOI	https://doi.org/10.62127/aijmr.2026.v04i03.1320

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Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Dual-Task Training on Gait and Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

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